Quick answer: Good tennis shorts are lightweight, stretchy and moisture-wicking, with a length that lets you lunge freely (around a 7 to 9 inch inseam for men, shorter for many women's styles) and pockets deep enough to hold a ball securely. If you hate a bulging pocket, choose shorts with an inner tight that holds the ball instead.
Shorts get less attention than rackets and shoes, but you feel bad ones every point: a pocket that drops a ball during your serve, fabric that turns heavy with sweat, or a cut that pulls on a wide forehand. Here is what actually matters when choosing tennis shorts, for men and women, plus the pairs we rate from our current stock.
What makes tennis shorts different from gym shorts?
Three things: pockets, stretch and fabric. Tennis shorts are built to carry a ball through a point without bouncing it loose, they use stretch fabric for split-steps and wide lunges, and they are made from quick-drying technical polyester because you will be sweating for an hour or more. Running and gym shorts often skip the ball pocket or use a shorter, looser cut, which is fine for training but annoying in a match.
Tennis shorts length: what inseam should you choose?
Length is mostly personal, but there are some useful rules of thumb:
| Inseam | Feel | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 inch and under | Very free, minimal fabric | Many women's shorts, players who want maximum freedom |
| 7 inch | Modern, slightly above the knee | Most men's tennis shorts today |
| 8 to 9 inch | More coverage, classic look | Taller players and those who prefer a longer cut |
| Tight or compression shorts | Close fit, no flapping | Wearing alone or under a skort or outer short |
As a test, do a deep lunge in the changing room. If the hem pulls tight across your thigh, size up or choose a longer, roomier cut.
Pockets: how tennis shorts carry a ball
Deep side pockets are the traditional answer, and shorts such as the Yonex YS2000EX have robust side pockets for exactly that. The more modern approach is a short with an inner tight: the ball sits in the tight against your thigh, so the outer short stays flat. The Adidas Climacool Shorts and Tights Set works this way. Women's players often keep the ball in a skort's inner short instead; see our tennis skorts for options.
Fabric: what tennis shorts should be made of
Look for lightweight polyester with elastane or similar stretch. It wicks sweat, dries between change-overs and keeps its shape after washing. Recycled polyester is increasingly common and performs just as well; the Original Penguin 8 inch short, for example, uses 40% recycled Repreve polyester. Avoid cotton for match play, as it holds sweat and gets heavy.
Men's vs women's tennis shorts
Men's tennis shorts usually have a 7 to 9 inch inseam, side pockets and a drawcord waist. Women's tennis shorts tend to be shorter, often with a wider elasticated waistband, and many come in a tight or compression style that can be worn alone or under a skort. Both should have enough stretch to lunge comfortably. Shop our men's tennis clothing and women's tennis clothing ranges.
Do you need compression or inner tights?
Not essential, but many players like them. An inner tight stops thigh chafing on long matches, adds a bit of support, and gives you a secure place for a ball. They are also useful on cold UK mornings. You can buy them as part of a set or wear a tight short, such as the Yonex YTS2024, on its own.
Top picks from Central Sports
- AIXO Eighties Capsule Men's Short 1 (Storm): £35 at time of writing. Lightweight hyper-stretch fabric, flatlock seams and a tagless waistband, with 80s styling. Sizes XS to XXL.
- Adidas Tennis Climacool Shorts and Tights Set Men (Maroon): £49.72 at time of writing. Outer short plus inner tight that holds a spare ball and stops chafing.
- Original Penguin Performance 7" Tennis Short (Bright White): £24.75 at time of writing. A 7 inch inseam and 90% polyester, 10% elastane stretch. Limited sizes.
- Yonex YS2000EX Men's Shorts (Black): £16 at time of writing. Quick-drying polyester, drawcord waist and robust side pockets. Excellent value.
- Yonex YST2024 Women's Shorts (Black): £20 at time of writing. 100% moisture-wicking polyester in a relaxed modern fit, sizes S to XL.
- Adidas Tennis Climacool Pro Shorts Women (Maroon): £41.95 at time of writing. Lightweight, quick-drying Climacool fabric cut for lunging and serving.
FAQs
How long should tennis shorts be?
Most men's tennis shorts have a 7 to 9 inch inseam, sitting just above the knee. Women's styles are often shorter. The right length is the one that lets you lunge fully without the hem pulling.
Do tennis shorts need pockets?
You need somewhere to keep a second ball. That can be deep side pockets or an inner tight. Shorts without either are fine for practice but awkward in matches.
Can I wear running shorts for tennis?
You can, but most running shorts lack a ball pocket and some have a split hem that rides up in lunges. For regular play, dedicated tennis shorts are more comfortable.
What should I wear under tennis shorts?
Normal sports underwear, or a compression short or inner tight if you want extra support, a secure ball pocket or more warmth.
Shopping for a skirt or skort instead? Read our guide to choosing tennis skirts and skorts.
See the full range in our tennis shorts collection, or pair them with the rest of your kit from our tennis clothing range. Free UK delivery on orders over £65.
